This sporting life. . .

The social season kicked off with a whump at Decanter’s World Wine Awards dinner at the Royal Opera House (than whose glitz few can hardly be glitzier)—plenty of great wines and winemakers, and a few surprises. There was a huge roar when the International Trophy for “best sparkling wine” was announced—it went to Ridgeview, a British wine producer, based in Sussex (southern England, of course). The wine’s made 100 percent from Chardonnay, and it is indeed refined and vivacious. It won aregional award from the original panel, and thus was eligible to be re-tasted by an all-star panel for one of the Best in Show awards. The Roberts family, who have worked hard to establish it, are now being overwhelmed by the world’s media; just shows what can be done with a lot of effort, and global warming. . . The other surprise of the night came when Israel’s Carmel Winery won best Red Rhône Varietal, but of course Shiraz/Syrah is a seasoned traveler by now.
Then, a few days later, came what’s always the most fun, Decanter’s “Tastes of Argentina.” There were 40 producers pouring half a dozen wines apiece at Vinopolis, but there were also tango demonstrations, London’s brilliant artisanal ice-cream maker Freggo (banana, dulce de leche, and Malbec ice creams featured), a steak-and-Malbec tasting sponsored by Gaucho Grill, and snacks of empanadas, ceviche, Argentine chorizo, and humitas. Great wines, great vibes. Details to follow. . .